Effects of potassium nutrition on fruit yield and quality of 'Maltaise' citrus [Citrus sinensisL.)

摘要

Fruit yield and quality in citrus tree is related to mineral nutrition especially to potassium. A field experiment was conducted during two consecutive seasons in the semi-arid climate of Tunisia with the aim to evaluate the agronomic citrus responseto different K rates. A commercial orchard of 'Maltaise', the main Tunisian orange cultivar, was used. Potassium treatments were applied as: 0, 100 and 200% K of potassium tree requirement. Each rate was divided equally and supplied three times during fruit growth. Results showed an increase in fruit yield, diameter and weight in treated trees especially with 200% K. Similarly, an improvement in orange color was observed. The technological parameters were unaffected except for the K200 treatment which showed an increase in acidity in the second season of experiment. Concerning the vegetative growth, the average shoot length was unaffected by treatments.